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Questions Frequently Asked by Foreign Nationals

Why am I required to Provide Information in Glacier?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the United States Government tax authority, has issued strict regulations regarding the taxation and reporting of payments made to non-U.S. citizens. As a result, payments made to you may be subject to U.S. income tax and reporting to the IRS. Glacier Online Tax Compliance System is an efficient and effective way to manage tax liability.

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Why Is My Tax Status Important?

In order to comply with the U.S. tax laws, your U.S. Tax Residency Status must be determined. The substantial Presence Test is used to determine whether an individual is a Nonresident Alien or a Resident Alien for purposes of U.S. tax withholding. Glacier Online Tax Compliance System will calculate your U.S. Residency Status for Tax Purposes based on the information provided by you.

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What is the Difference between a Nonresident Alien and a Resident Alien?

If you are a Nonresident Alien for Tax Purposes, you are subject to special tax withholding and reporting regulations; If you are a Resident Alien for Tax Purposes, you are taxed in the same manner as a U. S. Citizen.

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How Long Will I Be a Nonresident Alien?

Your residency status change date is the day on which your U.S. Residency Status for Tax Purposes will change, generally from Nonresident Alien for Tax Purposes to Resident Alien for Tax Purposes.

The U.S. tax system is based on a calendar year period (January 1 – December 31). In most cases, when your U.S. Residency Status for Tax Purposes changes, you will become a Resident Alien for Tax Purposes retroactive to the first day of the calendar year during which your status changed; this day is called the Residency Status Start Date.

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How Will I Be Taxed as a Nonresident Alien on Payments From U.S. Sources?

As a Nonresident Alien for Tax Purposes without a tax treaty, U.S. tax law requires that you be taxed in the following manner:

  • If you receive Dependent Compensation (salary or wages), you are generally required to complete Form W-4 as “Single” (regardless of your actual marital status), “One” Personal Withholding Allowance (regardless of your actual number of dependents), and an Additional Amount of Tax to offset potential under withholding of tax.
  • If you receive a Scholarship or Fellowship (for which NO services are required), your scholarship or fellowship may consist of Nontaxable items (tuition, book allowance, required registration fees, and mandatory health insurance) or Taxable Items (including, but not limited to, Room and Board, Stipend, Living Allowance, Travel Payment/Reimbursement). If you are present in the U.S. under an F, J, M or Q immigration status, the applicable rate of tax withholding is 14 percent; if you are present in the U.S. under any other immigration status, the applicable rate of tax withholding is 30 percent.
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Can I Be Exempt From Tax Withholding?

The U.S. maintains income tax treaties with approximately 63 countries. Certain taxable payments made to you may be exempt from U.S. tax based on an income tax treaty entered into between the U.S. and your country of tax residence. Glacier will determine whether or not you qualify for a tax treaty exemption, and will provide you with the necessary information and forms to take advantage of your tax treaty benefits. For more information on Glacier, refer to the Nonresident Aliens page.

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What If I Do Not Submit My Forms and Documents?

If you do not complete the information in Glacier and/or submit the required forms and documents, the maximum amount of tax will be withheld from all payments made to you.

NOTE: See previous section on How Will I Be Taxed as a Nonresident Alien on Payments From U.S. Sources?.

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